The France-based winger has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers since he made his international debut
Nantes winger Moses Simon has confessed he was left devastated after missing the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Simon was a key figure for the Super Eagles, featuring in all the qualifiers as Nigeria secured their spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Then head coach Gernot Rohr named the flying attacker in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the tournament and would have included him in the final roster for the tournament.
However, Simon got injured and missed the party as the Super Eagles crashed out of Russia 2018 at the group stage.
Nigeria, after losing on aggregate to Ghana in the playoffs, failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, denying Simon the chance to make his debut appearance at the Mundial.
The former KAA Gent ace has revealed the two unfortunate experiences left him sad and broken.
“In 2018, at first, I felt really sad,” Simon told FIFA.com, as per Cafonline.
“I played all the qualification games, I started and I finished [the matches]. But in the end, I didn’t go to the World Cup. It’s something I would not wish on my worst enemy. I was really devastated. But not anymore.
“Now, I just think: ‘OK, I thank God for everything because I know that it’s for a reason.’ It [not going to the 2018 World Cup and or qualifying for Qatar 2022] motivated me to keep working hard.
“I want to play in the next World Cup, it’s a dream. I just need to do my best, push and work hard. If the coach calls me, good. If he doesn’t and calls up someone else, I will be happy to support them.”
Simon, who helped Nigeria win bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, has been named in the Super Eagles 40-man provisional squad for the 2023 edition of the tournament, which kicks off next month.
The forward could be one of Nigeria’s most influential attackers as the Super Eagles target a fourth title at the continental championship.
